Saturday, January 21, 2006

The New Moon is always one of my favorite times for the simple fact that it allows us to 'start over' or to at least start something New. (New Moon = New Energy, simple to remember).

The New Moon on Jan 29 falls in the progressive, intelligent air sign of Aquarius.

What does that mean for everyone? The New Moon in Aquarius presents an excellent time to commit to living "outside of the box" - by breaking a few of your own 'life rules'. If energy is stuck, it's time to find a new dynamic way ahead.

Looking to the future becomes a major theme at this time - perhaps you're wondering where your career is headed, if you're set for a pay-raise, where you'll be in a week, month, year from now. Brainstorming is easy at this New Moon - fresh information pours in and you'll be surprised by the ideas and answers you get - they won't be anything like the ones you've come up with (or been given) before.

Having a vision becomes essential under an Aquarian New Moon. Like-minded souls come into focus - or friendships that aren't right for you begin to fade from view. You may reconnect with old friends or make some entirely new ones. Stoke the ones you have that guide you and nurture you, get out and socialize - it's worth getting out of your comfort zones on the night of the New Moon this month, who knows who you could meet!

After the intensely emotional Cancer Full Moon it's a great time now to put passion on the backburner, and not be so touchy about anything. Detach - get some air and breathe, become more objective and scientific and rational about things. Perspective is everything.

Breaking free of convention is perfect now - I'm sure we'll see some quirky new stories of rebels, inventions, scientific progress and some oddball stories you can only hear at an Aquarian New Moon.

The Status Quo gets a slap now - after all, how can we evolve unless we leave 'tradition' behind?

Be a friend - to everyone. Brother and Sisterhood is the key theme now - if it's not good for everyone, forget it. By all means destroy the mainstreams notions of what is right. Do it YOUR way but don't go too far, make it useful and helpful to the Planet as a whole, remember everything is connected, pollute your world and it affects everyone else.

Detachment and distancing ourselves from our habits and attachment to the past will help us break away from destructive behaviors that are holding us back. Now's the time to experience true freedom, when you turn your back on your own past and say 'Thanks for the lessons, it's time to break free and go conjure up a new reality to live in.'

Enjoy the fresh air of this crazy, quirky, funny, topsy-turvey New Moon!

As the planet of love and values, Venus retrograde periods are times when we re-assess what—and who—we value. It is a period that most astrologers consider inopportune for getting married or starting a new relationship. Major financial undertakings are not advised during this period as well. Venus retrograde cycles are good times for creating budgets and financial plans, and for re-thinking our personal relationships. Taking action in the areas of finance and love is not advised until Venus turns direct again.

Because Venus rules beauty and aesthetics, Venus Retrograde is a less than ideal time for beautification processes (new hairdos, enhancements, purchasing a new wardrobe, and so forth), renovations, re-decorating, and the like. Because Venus is associated with social events, parties may not go as planned.

On the subject of love, past lovers may re-appear and some relationships may end. With Venus in Capricorn for most of its retrograde cycle, our fear of rejection may be strong. Old friends and lovers may re-appear, perhaps complicating current relationships. Venus retrogrades when it conjuncts Chiron, the wounded healer, suggesting that we may be nursing our relationship wounds during this cycle. We are called to deal with relationship issues from the past.

Think back to what may have happened during the last few Venus retrograde cycles (April through July 2004, September through December 2002. February through May 2001). Although each retrograde cycle is different, similar issues may arise. In fact, some of the issues we faced then may need to be dealt with now. Events occur that seem fated or pre-destined. It will be a real challenge getting close to a lover during this period of time. Unorthodox, experimental, and non-intimate relationships may be favored.

Particularly around the days of Venus' stations (December 24th, 2005 and February 3rd, 2006), hold your tongue. If you are itching to argue with a lover, try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of heart once the station passes, and you can do a lot of damage in the meantime.

Some people are more sensitive to Venus retrograde cycles than others. For example, I know of one woman, with no knowledge of these cycles, who broke up with partners in each of the last three Venus Retrograde cycles!

Venus-ruled Taurus and Libra natives are likely to be particularly sensitive to the effects of Venus Retrograde. Also, people who have Taurus and/or Libra associated with love or financial areas of their chart tend to be more affected than others. This includes Aries Ascendant natives (because Libra is on the house of partnerships and, often, Taurus is on the cusp of their income house, the second). Taurus or Libra on the fifth house of romance is another indicator, and those people who have Venus in Taurus or Libra are also quite sensitive to the cycle.

Aries and Aries Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your tenth house of career and reputation. For the time being, the social aspect of relationships on the job may be compromised somewhat. Be as non-judgmental as you can with co-workers during this cycle.

Taurus and Taurus Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your ninth house of faith and adventure. With Venus as your ruler, you are especially sensitive to all of the Venus Retrograde issues described above. An argument over personal philosophies of life can get you into hot water.

Gemini and Gemini Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your eighth house of intimacy, shared resources, and personal transformation. Hold onto your money, work on a budget, and avoid arguments with loved ones that revolve around intimacy and sexuality. An argument over joint finances can also get you into hot water. Hold back. What you say now can have serious ramifications.

Cancer and Cancer Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your seventh house of one-to-one partnerships. Misunderstandings with your partner now can do serious damage. If you need to talk through problems, do your best to be as non-judgmental as possible, and don't over-react to what your partner has to say either. Things will look much better in February and March.

Leo and Leo Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your sixth house of work, health, and habits. In addition to the general cautions outlined above, the social aspect of relationships on the job may be strained for the time being. Do your best not to let people get to you. Put off beautification processes during this cycle.

Virgo and Virgo Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your fifth house of romance, speculation, entertainment, and children. Because the cycle directly affects your sector of romance and speculation, you should be especially wary of jumping into arguments with a lover and taking a risk gambling. You may feel you are on shaky ground in the romance department. You don't need to share all your feelings with a lover right now, and you shouldn't jump to conclusions if your lover needs a little space.

Libra and Libra Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your fourth house of home and family. The last week of December, however, can be a challenging one for you in the romance department. Don't jump to conclusions if a lover is acting a little distant. Wait it out. In January, relations with your family may be a little strained. You might want to wait until Venus is direct before you express your frustrations with family members! What you say now may be costly. Furthermore, if you take the time to think about things, your approach to dealing with these issues in February is likely to be much more productive.

Scorpio and Scorpio Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your third house of communication, siblings, and neighbors. You are likely to withdraw from chit-chatting during this period, and this might alienate a few people, especially siblings and perhaps neighbors. You may be misreading body language as well.

Sagittarius and Sagittarius Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your second house of money and values. As such, in addition to the general cautions outlined above, hold on to your money. Take the time to re-think your sources of income and how you spend your cash during this period, and avoid making any big purchases until February or March.

Capricorn and Capricorn Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your first house of personal appearance and mannerisms. Venus is retrograde in your sign. This retrograde cycle will affect your manner. Others are likely to misunderstand what you do and say, and misread your body language. Try to keep things status quo with regards to your love life. Don't worry if a lover isn't quite "getting" you for the time being. Things will change once Venus turns direct.

Aquarius and Aquarius Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your twelfth house of all that lies beneath the surface of things. In the last week of December, Venus is retrograde in your sign before it moves back into Capricorn come January, and you might find that others are misreading and misunderstanding you. Keep things status quo in your love life as much as possible. You are likely to be more withdrawn than usual, which can be a source of concern for your lover.

Pisces and Pisces Ascendant: This Venus Retrograde cycle affects your eleventh house of friendships, groups, and aspirations. Your friendships or associations with groups may be a little strained during this period--a time when you may withdraw and others might misinterpret your intentions.(courtesy of Cafe Astrology).

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Since Cancer is ruled by the Moon, this Full Moon proves to be an extra special one with obvious Cancerian connotations - intense emotions, making or surfing intense waves on the home and family front and a general air of sensitivity for everyone.

If you've been seeking a new place to live since the New Moon, chances are it reaches it peak and you find somewhere or a major part of that puzzle falls into place.

if you're having 'issues' at home or with your nearest and dearest (family, close buds, roomies, landlords and those connected to your home picture) then it should reach its peak by Saturday and a resolution can be found.

Things hit the fan, complete, resolve or are revealed at the Full Moon so for everyone - emotions are revealed and vulnerability and sensitivity is right out there for all to see. In short - we're being urged to wear our hearts on our sleeves, to bring our inside, out.

So let the full moon shine its bright spotlight on what's going on inside you - remember, outer reality is but a reflection and refraction of your inner light - if it's not at peace, you're not. Forget outside battling, and find the source of your inner discontent.

Let it go - an emotional message for every Full Moon, but stronger at this one, in the sign ruled by the Moon itself.

Water figures strongly now - from weather patterns intensifying (Seattle, WA has seen around 20 days straight of 24-hour rain, the west coast of the USA has already been swamped with floods this past few weeks etc). Tidal waves (literal or symbolic) are possibilities - in dream analysis, water = emotions, so watch the water this week. Drink more. Bathe more. Relax at the ocean or by the pool. Take a bath, shower, go for a walk in the rain if you're feeling emotionally out-of-sorts.

Once you find your centre, everything falls into place and life takes on that rosy glow again. The Cancer Full Moon helps us find where out emotional buttons are - so we can push them for the final time and move on to a new area of growth. Creativity is strong now - use your emotions for something useful and it should be a pretty fun weekend.

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Jupiter cycles show where your opportunity lies, for example. in House 11, new friends help you out. Your social circle grows and suddenly you find yourself reacher a wider audience. Your goals seem limitless. In House 4, your personal comfort zone expands, giving you the urge to move, create more space at home, or get out in the world more.

Saturn cycles show where your focus, commitment and karmic/hard work lies. In House 2, you need to find new ways to earn, your income becomes a focus of discipline - are you overspending, or selling yourself short?

Astrology Readings of your personal Birth Chart give you a handle on the exact cycles and specific developments you can expect. Choices open up as doors do and you have the freedom to decide where to go. In the end, it's up to you.

Where are you at in your personl cycle as far as 2006 goes?

Well your Astrology Chart decodes the specific parts of your Big Picture - consider an overview of 2006 so you can get ready to make the most of cycles when they open up, and get ready to let go and move on in certain areas when the cycles are closing. Be prepared - Knowledge is Power and choice is freedom.

Numerology is an interesting path to look into. If everything is connected and a vibration of energy, you can determine what your overview is by a simple process of finding your Personal Year Number. try it and see what you think:

Personal Year 1. . . .A New Beginning In Your LifeThe current year is the beginning of a new nine year cycle for you. It holds the promise of being an exciting new adventure, with life taking on new challenges that pave the way for the next cycle of nine years in your life. This is a time to clarify your goals and it is a time to act on them. Hard work may be necessary to get a new venture moving. Your physical strength will be up during this year, perhaps higher than it has been for some time, as you have some special needs for this extra energy. If you are unable or unwilling to answer the call to change and make the move in your life that appears necessary now, your prospects may be delayed until the next cycle begins in nine years. Because of this, you feel like an adventure, a major change in your life, something new. New goals should be clearly set and worked toward, as this is really a new beginning of a nine year cycle and it is best not to dwell on the past at this time. This will be fairly easy for you to do because most of the problems and disappointments of the past will tend to disappear, leaving the way open for these new challenges. This is a great time; use it to its full advantage.

Personal Year 2. . . .Development, cooperation, and waitingThis is a number 2 personal year. A personal year 2 is a wait and see time; a year when you will find yourself in the background and very much in a stage of development. This is not a time to force the issue and try to move forward. It is a time for cooperation and building relationships that will benefit you in the future; a year for accumulating and collecting. Aggressiveness will cause problems now. You must be prepared for delays, detours, stoppages and you must be patient. This is a time of small contribution, of helping, and details must be taken care of when they come up. You may give time and effort to further another's work. This year may be a test to your self-control and emotional sensitivities. This is a time to improve your abilities to work with others in a productive way and this can be difficult for you if you have chiefly worked alone in the past. Keep calm, cool, and pleasant. You may experience a degree of nervous tension during this period; the two year brings a tendency to emotional extremes including depression. Very deep relationships with a person of the opposite sex (including marriage) may be more apt to occur during a 2 year. If married, there is apt to be a deepening of feeling in the relationship during a 2 year.

Personal Year 3. . . .Social expansion & creative successesThis is a number 3 personal year. This is a social, happy year, and it generally tends to exude bright and cheerful vibrations. This is a year when you will want to check up on old friends and broaden your social circle to include some new ones. Romance and love affairs may bloom. You are inclined to live life to its fullest now, even if you have to pay the consequences later on. You are likely to be more sociable and the bridle of responsibility will seem to be loosened a bit. You are inclined to scatter your energies and undertake too many things at the same time. You can safely take some time off to enjoy yourself, but resist the temptation to completely give in to having a good time; keep your goals in mind. A 3 personal year is a good time to expand personal creative talents, particularly those related to the arts and verbal skills. Recognition in this regard is likely this year.

While this can be a happy year as far as personal expression and activities are concerned, it may be a disastrous year on the business scene. A generally frivolous attitude in that environment can cause rash decisions and impractical, unfinished schemes. This is not likely to be a very good year for your finances, and it is fortunate that the next year is designed to compensate these effects.

Personal Year 4. . . .Hard work and slow, but steady progressThis is a number 4 personal year for you. The previous year frivolity will now be truly forgotten, as the facts of life are clearly spelled out. This is a year of hard work and effort when one must knuckle down to the task at hand. A year of digging in and hoeing, a reestablishment of self-control. In many ways, however, it is a frustrating year, when considerable effort fails to produce dramatic results. One step forward and two back may seem to be the case most of the time. This is an organizational period and you must look at your current and past performance in a very hard light. It is a time to get organized and bring yourself down to earth. Responsibilities will increase, magnifying the effort and hard work needed to maintain a reasonable level of existence. Health and diet should be carefully scrutinized this year, as physical resistance is low and you may become more susceptible to ailments. A tidying up of affairs is now in order, as you must make ready for a very hectic year ahead.

Personal Year 5. . . . Feeling Loose and FreeThis is a number 5 year, a year of major change in your life. Horizons are expanded and growth is less impeded. You are likely to make a number of new friends this year as social activities are expanded. This is a year that has brought/will bring excitement and adventure and a good deal more freedom than you have experienced in recent years. This is a time for feeling loose and free; for moving away from old routines in a constructive way. If you became bogged down during this past year, now is the time to seek out new directions.The problem with a personal year 5 is the tendency to scatter energies in all directions. Your ability to do detail work is limited now and it will make you feel very confined. In all, this a free-wheeling year that is liable to bring major changes to your life; your career, your family situation, your residence.

Personal Year 6. . . . Love, Family, Home and ResponsibilityThis is a number 6 Personal Year for you. A personal year 6 tends to bring on increasing responsibilities and a deepening concern for family, loved ones, and close friends. It may be a year when you are called on to make some adjustments in your life, or sacrifices for those in your family or close circle of friends. This is not really a year for major accomplishments, but rather a time to handle those adjustments to your plans that may be necessary or required, and for finishing projects started earlier. Endeavors will seem to be moving so very slowly throughout this year. You should expect to have a very good year so far as family, domestic, and romantic matters are concerned. Your emotional interchange with those who are close to you should be at its very best during this particular year. The important thing is to be willing to accept a slower pace and be sure to enjoy the peace and harmony that the personal year number 6 will bring.

Personal Year 7. . . . a time for analysis and understandingA 7 personal year promises to be a very introspective year, a period of some pause and reflection between very active years in your life. This year should provide you with some time for gaining some understanding of yourself, and you are apt to spend a good bit of time in contemplation. It will be good for you to spend time alone or in quiet activities, as free from outside responsibilities as possible. You should try to get away from business pressures. This is a good year to reflect on the past and plan for the future. This will not tend to be a year of action, but rather a year of waiting and development. One of the most profitable activities in with to engage during a personal year 7 is that of study and writing, for your ability to think clearly, analyze, and integrate your thoughts is peaked now. Your capacity for research and understanding is at its very best. It would not be unusual for you to take on an appearance of coolness and detachment during a 7 year. Certainly, it is best for you to focus your attention on your talents and your skills in an effort to use the time you have now to refine them. Perhaps you can find the time to gain more education, or simply spend free time in reflection and meditation.

Personal Year 8. . . . Attainment and capital gainsThis is a number 8 personal year for you. This is your power year, a period when you can make important strides in you life. Coming after a very slow and introspective period (the personal year 7), you may start feeling some stirrings of ambitions. This is a year of big decisions and major achievements. Activity is your keynote now, and you will find yourself very much involved and occupied. Opportunities for advancement and recognition for past and current work is likely to come about during this year. You have things going for you so long as you take advantage and act. It is easy for you to branch out and expand in a businesslike manner. If you are at all inclined, this is the time to exude self-confidence and authority, because others will tend to be receptive to your leadership and control. Your power and status potential is at a peak of the nine years personal epicycle that concludes at the end of the next year.

Personal Year 9. . . . Reflection and Reaching OutThis is a 9 personal year for you. This is a year of completions, ending, and a time when you are apt to take inventory of the many factors in your life, some of which you are no doubt proud of, and others that you may want to change. You are likely to scrutinize old values, ideals, and the ideas that you thought were important. This should be a time when you become more involved with other's and giving may become more important that merely looking out for yourself. You may also become aware of a lure to commune with nature, as escapist desires become much stronger than in the past. A lot of things that you have been working for should come to completion during this year, and you will tend to clear the deck for the beginning of a new nine year cycle.

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Since the New Year begins at the Spring Equinox and the sign of Aries, the lamb of resurrection (symbolic of the easter promise of renewal when the Sun (son of god?) rose again to bring new life to the world of darkness (winter) - resolutions are all too easy to make and break but we push ahead regardless hoping a new number will help.

It will - 2006 is an '8' year (2+0+0+6 = 8). To find out what year it is for you then you take your Day and Month of birth and add the 2006. For us all it's an 8 year. Power. Prestige. The Fruits of Hard Work. Discipline. Money. The Goods. Promises delivered. Solidification. Strength of purose and will ready for a dissolution next year in the 9 cycle when we let go and prepare for a new start.

What's your personal year? If you're born oct 28 then you'd be experiencing a '1' year - Oct is the 10th month, add the 28 and 2006 and you get - 1+0+2+8+2+0+0+6 = 19 = 1+9 = 10 = 1+0 = 1

Simple as that. I'll go into more detail on the Personal Years soon, but for now, work out yours and check back for more. 2006 is a year of dedicating yourself to your own path with full passion and commitment. What do you want? Find it, get it, experience it. Don't complain about what's not working, you don't have time, get it moving and make it work out or try something new.Hard work pays off hugely now so stick with it, success is assured.

I am now in Los Angeles, California, enjoying the first day of sunshine after a 5 day trip from Seattle in some really intense storms, flooding and roads closed. it reminded me of the power of Water - to flood even the strongest and most grounded and 'stable' cities and people. Water is emotions, the drivng fuel of our life on Earth (a lexigram of the word Heart).

So my reminder for 2006 is the ability to adapt - water in astrology gives us the ability to flow, to embrace the obstacle rocks and to keep moving. We can wear away the problem boulders with persistance and peace. Water is strong - as I saw on my drive down here. The ability to adapt - as personified in Pisces the last mutable sign in water - will get us far - when Change comes calling can you shift with the winds and waters? When the tide shifts can you swim on against the tide?

If so, the treasure island awaits. And in an 8 year the rewards of adapting but persevering are amazing.

Happy New Year 2006 - May you Chart a Course while allowing things to take their course.